We have a service shop that specializes in BMW and MINI service, but also handles Mercedes and Smart. While we see far more BMWs for service, that is more of an indication of the market share that BMW/MINI has over Benz/Smart. Mercedes will also have a few bugs here and there and little quirks, and aren't bad cars at all, but will not have the handling and balance of the bimmer.

The more common problems for your car should be valve cover gasket eventually, water pump probably, and starter eventually. The water pump is usually a 1 time replacement, same with starter. Other than that, there could be miscellaneous coolant leaks, hoses, gaskets, etc, but again you will find that with any car.

Other than that, your engine is relatively bullet proof as long as you don't over heat the aluminum block. You know what they say, the grass is always greener until you get there.

The 328i definitely feels faster and a bit more fuel efficient. I personally prefer the 328i's feel ("comfort" or rather stiffness).

The c300 "sport" has more useful power in terms of regular daily driving. It's much more comfortable and you don't really feel the car needs much effort to pull mainly because of the 7sp Auto and the much higher torque it has.

I've only been able to push my 328 and not the c300 because the c300 isn't mine and I won't do so unless the owner was with me in the car and gives me the go signal to do so. I'll tell you now, neither cars were meant for racing...they're just not at that level (not to mention the lack of modding options for both cars).

To put things short, if you are a BMW guy you will like the 3 series more and vice-versa.

Buy a 328i for its performance. If you prefer a softer, more luxurious ride, go with the C300.

I would agree with the C300 being a little softer, but equally nice to drive in its own way. It felt a little less in touch with the road/driving experience to me.

I bought my 08 328i in 2009, it was a trade-in at a Mercedes dealership. I drove both models same day - liked driving both of them actually - each could use some refinements, but ultimately it came down to bang for the buck and feel to me - the salesperson made me a better deal on the BMW, so there I went. I could see myself in either, but the 328i came with just about every option at a great price - plus it just looked better in person imho. The MB with about the reasonably same option level was a little more pricey, but again, it was a MB dealership.

what are all the bugs? Peoples perception about "bugs" are different. Take my car for instance, the gas cap sticks, the drivers lock button squeeks, the run flats are loud. If this is what you mean by bugs you won't be satisfied with any make. Well, maybe a Lexus but I've heard people gripe about them too.

C300 is a dog. C250 is nearly as fast (feels faster IMO, perhaps that is just the turbo) and gets much best gas mileage out of it's turbo 4-banger than the NA V6 in the 300. Plus they don't make C300's anymore, the styling differences in the C250 are more preferable as well - especially the coupe with the two-tone interior & sport steering wheel with thumb-rests.

We were turning in our C350 lease and I was comparing the new (at the time) C250 vs. pre-owned C300 vs. the new C350. Went with the 335i because after I test drove it, the CXXX's felt like I was driving a Camry.

Well, I can answer your question as I do have a 2009 Mercedes Benz C300. It has never given me a single problem and with a little over 40,000 miles, she is running like a dream (knock on wood). It has been one of the best cars in terms of reliability and overall feel and also practicality. Mine is the sport model with a few mods and it really is a fantastic car. In my opinion it handles just as good as my E93 but you dont feel all the weight like I do in my E93. It has plenty of power for every day driving and I enjoy driving on a daily basis.

Just a little comparison, I drove my buddies e90 328i and in comparison to my C300 I felt my C300 pulled noticeably harder than the straight six in the 328i. So overall a great car and would highly recomend one. But I do sugest you go with the sport model as they do feel noticeably sharper than the luxury model.

OP is your car a sedan or coupe? i guess maybe your avatar threw me off, but if you're wanting to get into a C class, I think the styling and fit and finish of the C class coupe is stellar. C250s start at about $37k and C350 $43k. from what i've gathered you don't seem to be considering a C63 (game over)

i dunno. i guess i really like bmw interiors. and i don't even have idrive... i came out of my second b5 s4 with the sport/alcantara which was gorgeous but i prefer my e92 interior, i guess it just comes down to preference. if i were considering MB though i'd definitely take one of the coupes for a spin

OP is your car a sedan or coupe? i guess maybe your avatar threw me off, but if you're wanting to get into a C class, I think the styling and fit and finish of the C class coupe is stellar. C250s start at about $37k and C350 $43k. from what i've gathered you don't seem to be considering a C63 (game over)

The coupes are really nice, a fair bit cheaper than the 3s too. For the price I paid for my E92 328 I could have bought an equally optioned C350.

C class coupe looks amazing right out of the factory..barely needs modding unlike our 3ers IMO. They're also more comfortable and spacious inside. Not sure about the reliability..but I know their parts are more expensive.